Home Energy Survey Professional Test

RESNET staff has the responsibility of administering the RESNET Home Energy Survey Professional test. This test is required for individuals to be certified as a Home Energy Survey Professional. A training course is not a required.

The test must be proctored by an independent party at a neutral location. It is the responsibility of the tester to secure the independent proctor and location before applying to take the test. Tests may under no circumstances be proctored by an associate of the tester's organization or company. The test cannot be taken at the tester's work site or home. RESNET will consider site options including libraries, independent testing centers, utilities, and state energy offices.

The RESNET national Home Energy Survey Professional test is an on-line 50 question test with a maximum test time of two hours. The test costs $50, is open book and results from the test are immediately received after completion of the test. A passing score is 75%. The test is scored immediately upon completion of the test. The test is open book. Testers may use printed resources as well as web resources.

The test must be taken at testing center or other proctored location. Please allow 5-10 business days to set up the test. RESNET will allow the following institutions to proctor the test:

School
College
Independent Testing Center
Library

To sign up for the test click on Sign up to take In-Home Energy Survey Professional Test.

The minimum knowledge and skills required are:

Basics of heat transfer concepts
Basics of building performance testing
Basics of air distribution leakage
Calculating gross and net areas
Definitions/energy terminology
Basic combustion appliance concerns
Basics of envelope leakage, thermal bypass, thermal bridging
Determining envelope insulation
Presence/absence of insulation and when observable, the quality of its installation
Recommended levels of insulation by climate zone
HVAC - determining equipment efficiencies from model numbers or default tables
Household appliances - determine efficiency from model numbers or vintage
Energy units
Measuring building dimensions
Identification and documentation of energy survey inspected features of the home
Basics of specifications
Determining window and door efficiency
Determining building orientation and shading characteristics
Defining the thermal boundaries

Resources to study for the test are:

Residential Energy, John Krigger and Chris Dorsi
Chapter Seven of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
Appendix A of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards
Observational Diagnostics
Saturn Energy Auditor Field Guide
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Environmental Protection Agency
Residential Construction Academy, Michael Joyce

The cost of the test is $50, payable only by Visa or MasterCard when the tester signs on to take the test. Fees associated with the independent proctor or test facility are the responsibility of the tester.

Minimum Computer Requirements

Each tester must have a computer with High Speed Internet Access
(Cannot use dial up)
Computer can have Windows 2000 or XP or they may have Windows 98, ME if Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 is installed. You can download and install Visual Basic 6.0 SP5 from Microsoft.
Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher must be installed and used (Test will not work with Netscape)

Test Application